104-Year-Old Woman Credits Simple Living for Long Life
A 104-year-old Trang woman attributes her longevity to a relaxed mind and simple living, crediting stress-free days and eating whatever she wants—from durian to grilled pork—rather than strict diets or doctor visits.
Phlai Phluram, a 104-year-old resident of Moo 3, Nam Phud subdistrict, Mueang district, Trang province, remains the oldest person in her community. Born in 1922, her parents delayed registering her birth by three years, so her official documents show her age as 102 despite being nearly 105. She walks unaided, bathes and dresses herself, tends her home and garden, reads, writes, and performs arithmetic fluently—all while maintaining excellent hearing and a bright demeanor.
When asked about her health secrets, Phlai Phluram reveals she has no special dietary restrictions. Instead, she keeps a relaxed mind, avoids worry, and eats whatever she craves—mangosteen, durian, rambutan, grilled pork, and spicy fish-based dips. She has no chronic illnesses and has never needed a doctor's visit. Of her six siblings, five have passed away; she remains the sole survivor. She raised eight children to adulthood and now enjoys the company of more than 40 grandchildren and great-grandchildren who visit regularly.
Beyond her health, Phlai Phluram is renowned locally for her extensive knowledge of folk incantations and traditional wisdom—spells for crops, love charms, tree-planting incantations, protection spells, prosperity charms, and safe-travel blessings, alongside ancient lullabies. She completed only second grade but placed second in her class. She spent her life tapping rubber and growing vegetables to support her family and has earned the deep respect of her entire community for her consistent moral character and exemplary conduct.
